What's With the Lapel and Patriotism Issue on Barrack Obama?

Wave after wave of smear caampaign is coming at Barrack Obama. Again, the accusation that he is not patriotic enough is resurfacing again. They say that he refused to wear an American flag pin and did not put his hands on his breast at a time when singing the National Anthem. Hmm... seems like a problem?

But as we take a closer look at it, are symbolisms just the main indication of patriotism? If ever there are persons not wearing or refusing to wear or does not do the breast thing.. are they not patriotic?

In October, Obama told Iowa television station KCRG that he decided to stop wearing a U.S. flag lapel pin during the run-up to the Iraq war because it had become "a substitute for, I think, true patriotism."

"I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest. Instead, I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great and, hopefully, that will be a testimony to my patriotism," Obama said.

That reason seems valid to me. We have our freedom to express our views on issues and besides patriotism has different perspective and depends on who's view is it.

On Monday, Michelle Obama told an audience in Milwaukee, "For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country. Not just because Barack is doing well, but I think people are hungry for change."

Being proud of one's country or not being proud of it for several reasons is also not a question of patriotism. Patriotism means believing in what you think is right and best for your country and people. This I think Barrack Obama has.